All India Football Federation (AIFF) director of referees Goutam Kar on Thursday put it across ATK boss Teddy Sheringham by saying it is the coach's responsibility to educate players so that they don't "tackle with malice" on the football pitch.

Kar was reacting to Sheringham's jibe at officials for not taking action against what he called "horrendous challenges" in the Indian Super League (ISL) matches.

"It is the coach's responsibility to educate the players. They should not tackle with malice. The referee does his job and will punish whenever he feels it is harsh," Kar told IANS on the sidelines of Chennaiyin FC's fourth round game against the defending champions ATK.

Sheringham had on Wednesday said that referees are not taking stern action against "horrendous" tackles flying around in the ISL and that they are going unpunished.

"There have been some horrendous challenges. In all the games, not just the games against us. It's not an excuse for not having good results. I think there have been horrendous challenges that have gone unpunished. I think I am very very surprised there has not been more injuries because of some of the challenges that have gone on," Sheringham had said.

--IANS

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